The Salteaux Ojibway people (ancestors of the Anishinaabeg Of Naongashing First Nation people) inhabited the Ontario portion of the area subsequently covered by the Northwest Angle Treaty of 1873 – Treaty No. 3. Their economy was based on fishing, hunting, gathering, trapping, the harvesting of wild rice and some horticulture, until the late 18th century when they became involved in the fur trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company.

The Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing people were a semi-nomadic tribe living among the south edge of the Aulneau Peninsula located in Lake of the Woods. The A.O.N. reached legal band status sometime in the mid 1920’s. In the early 1950’s, the A.O.N. relocated to Big Island Mainland No. 93 (old Big Island). The reason why relocation was necessary is that it was more convenient for government officials to contact the band (Closer to the Highway). Finally in 1982, the majority of the AON relocated to where we currently reside, Saug-a-gaw-sing No. 1 located on the South East shore of Lake of the Woods.

Industries

Trapping, fishing and forestry are principal occupations of First Nation members, and seasonal work is available in resorts around the reserve. We currently own the largest commercial fishing licence quota in Treaty no. 3., and during the summer this is our main export of revenue. Almost all band office employees are funded through government programs and employees are also involved in other services such as, transportation, communication, and other utilities industries. Other local industries offer a variety of services such as, wild rice harvesting, fish processing and sales operation, shopping plaza located in Morson adjacent to the reserve (including a liquor outlet, hardware store, clothing and grocery store), and other retail establishments and financial institutions are located in Rainy River.